Is Your Family Prepared for a Disaster?

Power outages usually mean it’s time to break out the candles, put away the phones and play some board games while you save all the ice cream in the freezer from melting (heroic and necessary). But are you ready if the power goes out for more than few hours? More than a few days?

The average American experiences a power outage once a year for about two hours. However, as recent events have shown all too vividly, disasters can dramatically change the game. No matter what kinds of storms your area is prone to – Nor’easters, snow storms, ice storms, hurricanes, violent thunder storms, tornadoes, heat waves – powerful natural events can knock power out for days or even weeks at a time. The best way to make sure your home, your family and your pets are safe is to be prepared.

The easiest way to do this? Build a disaster kit. Start with a sturdy bin or storage container for your home and a smaller box, bag or backpack for your car – a go bag, in case disaster strikes while you’re far from home or you have to evacuate. Next, consider any unique needs your family may have – do you have small children? Anyone with medical needs? Elderly family member? Pets? Is there anyone in your home who requires power for life-sustaining medical equipment? If so, you may consider getting a home stand-by generator, which will switch on immediately when the power goes out. You can sign up for a free in-home assessment here.

Kids

Especially for small children, it may be worth having them wear an ID bracelet or USB emergency ID band with important contact and medical information.

A favorite toy or security blanket may that may help calm a child down.

Pets

Dogs need around one ounces of water per pound of body weight each day. Cats eating wet food need 2-4 ounces of water per day, while felines eating dry food will need more. Each animal is different though, so consider consulting your vet on this one.

A two week’s supply of canned or non-perishable food for your pets.

A picture of you and your pets to verify ownership if you get separated.

Copies of their latest vaccination records, rabies tags and local registration.

An extra leash and collar for dogs and a soft carrier for cats.

A reflective collar or clip-on LED to better keep track of your furry friends in the dark.

What are some disaster preparedness items you would include in your kit? Have you survived a natural disaster in your area? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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About Kimberly Miller

Kim is a Family, Lifestyle and Parenting #RVA Mom Blogger focusing on home and family, product reviews and giveaways, food and travel. Kim is raising two teenage sons and has an adult daughter and loves weekend getaways and spur-of-the-moment road trips. She loves cooking, reading, walks on the beach, sunsets and wine. Her dream is to retire to a little cottage on the beach and spend her days collecting shells and talking to the seagulls.

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